The MRHS Jazz Band and Choir present a festive performance filled with live entertaining music and sing-alongs.
On Tuesday, December 19th at 7:00 pm, live Jazz music and fun holiday songs were performed by the MRHS Jazz Band and the MRHS Choir Department. The Jazz Cabaret is an anticipated and festive event that gets those who love holiday cheer dancing in their seats. In addition to the larger ensembles, soloists and trios performed as well. Tables were lined up in the cafeteria covered in a range of food for everyone to enjoy as they listened. Desserts such as cookies and cupcakes, a hot chocolate station, charcuterie tables and a variety of hot food stands were quickly empty after the first hour.
Each year, students in the band and choirs perform seasonal songs. The Jazz Cabaret consists of the Jazz Band conducted by Mr. J. Nick Ellis, Vocal Ensemble GT (also known as Women’s Choir) and the Madrigals, which are conducted by Mr. Ross Rawlings. Members of these groups and their teachers had to prepare for this event in various ways. As the holiday season approached, the music choices for Jazz Cabaret had to be picked with a purpose: festive, engaging and of course, jazzy.
“I wanted all fresh stuff this year, songs that the audience hasn’t heard, and songs the students haven’t performed so it would be new and exciting to learn, as opposed to something we’ve already done. As for picking the music myself, tunes just popped into my head and I found–there’s a bit of a theme here–some nostalgic elements for sure.” Mr. Ross Rawlings, the choir teacher, explained how he chose this year’s Jazz Cab repertoire.
Getting ready for the Jazz Cabaret took more than just in-class rehearsals. Students who played or sang also had to practice outside of class.
“I think having students take on a little bit more of their learning responsibility helps. Using more electronic means such as YouTube or J.W. Pepper, which is the publishing company for the music, and pushing sectionals as much as I can.” Rawlings said.
YouTube seems to be the popular choice for students when it comes to practicing at home. It has the recordings of each part for each piece of music, so it is helpful when needing to memorize a part.
“Practicing and a lot of running through the songs with any online recording I can find helps. YouTube is really helpful.” Senior and Madrigals member Arthur Yang explained.
Students used these electronic resources for practice, but also other means.
“I have been practicing with my choir during class and trying to memorize our songs by playing along with them at home on my piano,” junior and Women’s Choir Member, Natalie Shin, described.
“Since this is a Holiday themed event, we pick pieces that are related to the holiday season. We try to cover all belief systems.” Mr. J. Nick Ellis, the Band teacher, explained how he chose the music for the Jazz Band to perform. As with the choir students, Mr. Ellis’s expectation is that students practice their music outside of class as well. As for the soloists and trios that performed songs, auditions were held to cast the members performing them.
After months of practicing, the Jazz Cab was ready to perform. Members of the ensembles and students from the audience share their opinions.
“I loved hearing all the music; it always kept me entertained and seeing everyone have fun! I loved seeing my friends and enjoying the upcoming holidays with them!” junior Madison Gaither described.
Right as the audience entered the commons, The Jazz Band’s festive tunes that were performed right as audience members entered, combined with the festive decorations and lights, helped to create a wonderful atmosphere. The Women’s Choir performed three catchy tunes, including “A Marshmallow World”, followed by the Madrigals who performed beautifully, one of their songs being “The White World of Winter”. Soloists Claire Daly and Mazy Ryon performed “Santa Baby” and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” respectively. Standing ovations and cheering were received for these wonderful performances. Overall, it seems that the Jazz Cab this year was a major success. With atmospheric tunes and songs that got the audience ready for the holiday season, the winter Jazz Cabaret is a wonderful annual event for the entire family.